Built for the owner of the Fleet Farm in 1834. The building became known as the Griffin House, after John Griffin bought the tract in 1879. It was purchased for Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute in 1882. It was converted into the main...

Built for the owner of the Fleet Farm in 1834. The building became known as the Griffin House, after John Griffin bought the tract in 1879. It was purchased for Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute in 1882. It was converted into the main...

George Freeman Bragg, Jr., was the twenty-year-old editor of the "Petersburg Lancet" when the cornerstone was laid for the new college in July 1883. His eighteen-year-old sister Carrie, was among the sixty-two students present on opening day on...

Ida M. Harris was the first female administrator at what is now Virginia State University. She was originally from Fairfax County, Virginia. She was very involved in the development of African American Education in Virginia after the War of the...

He was the first science teacher at the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute now Virginia State University. Mr. Colson was an 1883 graduate of Dartmouth College. He served as acting principal in 1885 replacing the first principal James...

Delegate Peter J. Carter 1844-1888, was born a slave in Northhampton County, Virginia. He was elected first Rector of the Board of Visitors of Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute on February 15, 1883.

The earliest certificate awarded by the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute for the Education of Teachers held on campus during the summer. This certificate was issued to William Layton August 22, 1884 and was signed by Principal James Storum...

James Hugo Johnston was appointed to the Board of Visitors at the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute for a four year term beginning April 1, 1886. Johnston did not complete his term on the Board because his fellow members selected him to be...

John Mercer Langston was the first president of what is now Virginia State University. He was the third head of the institution, following principals, James Storum and James M. Colson Jr. He served in office from January 1, 1886 - December 31,...

The Kappa Gamma Chi Society was the first honor society for the young men at the "institute". Depicted here is a copy of the cover of the program for the exercises held June 2, 1887. This honor society was organized by Professor James M. Colson,...

Kate Hill Colson, was the oldest child born to John Henry and Rosetta Hill. After the Civil War they returned to Petersburg, and Miss Hill attended the St. Stephen's Normal School in Petersburg. She was one of the first African American school...

Charles James Daniel was born in Orange County, Virginia. Before coming to the Institute he had studied at Howard University, and was a graduate of the Richmond Institute in 1878. He taught school in Louisa County, Virginia, and from 1882 to...